UK joins condemnation of Sri Lanka MP behavior

Many Civil society organizations, and even a diplomat was among those who readily condemned the behavior of Sri Lankan MPs in Parliament over the past few days.

“Rise Up Sri Lanka” (RUSL) citizens movement said: “It is imperative that we make clear to those who continue to threaten and mock our democratic rights that our resolve is stronger and our numbers are greater and that we will not allow our nation to be destroyed. We will not watch silently or helplessly any longer” on 19 November.

On the same day, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) issuing a statement said that it is shocked and dismayed over the behavior of MPs ‘over the past week’ adding TISL also concerned over their behavior towards law enforcement.

“TISL observed with shock and dismay the behavior of Members of Parliament over the past week. TISL wishes to highlight that in law, parliamentary privileges are not a cloak for criminal behavior. TISL is also concerned by the behavior of MPs towards law enforcement authorities on the premises of the Parliament, showcasing a pervasive culture of impunity and total disregard of the rule of law.”

Britain’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris in a twitter message said: “Today Sri Lankans have again seen deplorable behavior by some MPs, unbecoming of them and of their noble institution. No parliament can perform its role when its own members stop it from doing so.”